Compact spray device

ABSTRACT

An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/235,192, filed Sep. 16, 2011, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/725,402, filed Mar.19, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/247,793, filed Oct. 11, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/617,950, filed Oct. 12, 2004.

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

SEQUENTIAL LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Background

The present disclosure relates to discharging a fluid from a spraydevice, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for discharginga liquid through a nozzle of an aerosol container.

2. Description of the Background

An automatic discharge device for an aerosol container containing apressurized fluid within a housing typically includes an actuatormechanism for engaging a nozzle of the aerosol container. In a specificexample, a motor displaces the actuator mechanism in response to inputreceived from a sensor, wherein the displacement causes the actuatormechanism to engage the nozzle of the aerosol container and dischargethe pressurized fluid therefrom.

Hill et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,086 discloses an ornament that includesa valving mechanism for discharging a pressurized fluid from an aerosolcan. The valving mechanism comprises an actuator bar that contacts anddepresses a nozzle of the aerosol can to release the pressurized fluidtherefrom. The released pressurized fluid acts upon a diaphragm withinthe valving mechanism to force hydraulic fluid from a first chamber intoa second chamber, wherein the fluid entering the second chamber raises apiston. The rising piston forces the actuator bar to rise therewith anddisengage from the nozzle, thereby terminating fluid discharge from thecan. The pressurized fluid within the valving mechanism is thereaftercontrollably released to permit the piston to drop so that the actuatorrod engages the nozzle again.

Lynn U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,597 discloses a fragrance dispensing apparatusfor use in a multi-room building having an existing HVAC systemventilated by a forcing fan. The apparatus includes a plurality offragrance containers, a plurality of solenoids, a plurality ofprogrammable timers, and a single fan timer.

Mollayan U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,442 discloses a timed spray dispenser fordistributing a liquid deodorizer from an aerosol can disposed within ahousing of the dispenser. A lever arm is pivotably mounted on thehousing and includes a first end that engages a spray valve of the canand a second end that engages an eccentric cam, wherein the eccentriccam is rotated by a timer controlled motor. As the eccentric cam isrotated, the cam pivots the lever arm, thereby causing the first end todepress the spray valve and discharge the contents of the can.

Chown U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,122 discloses an apparatus for dispensing achemical from an aerosol container. The container is provided with amagnetic material and a solenoid coil extending around the container.Energization of the solenoid coil causes the container to move upwardlyfrom a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position.

Borut et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,507 discloses an automatic airfreshener that utilizes an electric motor coupled to an actuator cam,wherein a lobe of the actuator cam engages an end of an aerosolcanister. The cam causes the canister to slide upwardly through a frametoward a housing aperture, wherein a valve of the canister is depressedwithin the housing aperture to open the valve and dispense the contentsof the canister therefrom.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automaticdischarge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. Anactuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first andsecond positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving theactuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to asignal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. Themovement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the twocontainers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm isadapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.

According to a different embodiment of the present invention, anautomatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess adapted toretain a container therein. A combination of sensors is provided fordetecting an environmental condition. An actuator arm is attached to thehousing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit isprovided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the firstand second positions in response to a signal from at least one of thecombination of sensors, a timer, and a manual switch. The movement ofthe actuator arm actuates a valve stem of the container allowing a fluiddisposed in an interior of the container to be dispensed and exited fromthe housing in an upward direction through an upper end of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one type of dispenser wherein batteriesand a fluid container are omitted therefrom;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with a fluid containerinserted therein;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 5-5 ofFIG. 1 depicting the dispenser;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4, except that the rear panelof the dispenser is removed to show a drive unit and an actuator arm;

FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the dispenserof FIGS. 1-6 according to a first operational sequence;

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of another dispenser, an aerosolcontainer, and two batteries;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view illustrating the aerosol container and thetwo batteries placed into the dispenser of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is another timing diagram illustrating the operation of thedispenser of FIGS. 8 and 9 according to a second operational sequence;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical circuit forcontrolling the motor of any of the dispensers disclosed herein;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of yet another dispenser;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of another dispenser having an open frontcover;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the dispenser of FIG. 13 with the frontcover closed;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are exploded isometric views of further dispensers withalternate front covers;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a different dispenser;

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is view similar to that of FIG. 17, except that a dispensingcover has been removed to show a front side of the dispenser;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to that of FIG. 20, except that a fluidcontainer and batteries have been removed from the front side of thedispenser;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to that of FIG. 19, except that a rear panelhas been removed to show a drive unit and an actuator arm;

FIG. 23 is a state diagram depicting the operation of the dispenser ofFIGS. 17-22 according to a third operational sequence;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of another dispenser;

FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a rear elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a view similar to that of FIG. 25, except that a dispensingcover has been removed to show a front side of the dispenser;

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of the dispenser of FIG. 27, except that afluid container and batteries have been removed from the front side ofthe dispenser;

FIG. 29 is a view similar to that of FIG. 26, except that a rear panelhas been removed to show a drive unit and an actuator arm;

FIG. 30 is a yet another timing diagram illustrating the operation ofthe dispenser of FIGS. 24-29 according to a fourth operational sequence;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary diagrammatic partial sectional view of adifferent embodiment of the actuator arm depicted in FIG. 27 having anactuating element in contact with a valve stem;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged isometric view of a valve stem;

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary diagrammatic isometric view of anotherembodiment of a valve element disposed adjacent an actuating element;

FIG. 34 is a view similar to FIG. 33 of another embodiment of anactuating element adjacent a valve element;

FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 35-35 ofFIG. 34 with the actuating element in engagement with the valve element;

FIGS. 36-44 are enlarged isometric views of alternative valve stems thatmay be used in conjunction with the embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 45 is a schematic representation of another dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-6 depict one embodiment of a dispenser 10. The dispenser 10generally comprises a housing 20, an actuator arm 30, and a drive unit40. A container 60 is disposed within the housing 20 of the dispenser10. The dispenser 10 discharges fluid from the container 60 uponoccurrence of a particular condition. The condition could be the manualactivation of the device or the automatic activation of the device inresponse to an elapsed time interval or signal from a sensor. The fluidmay be a fragrance or insecticide disposed within a carrier liquid, adeodorizing liquid, or the like. For example, the fluid may compriseOUST®, an air and carpet sanitizer for household, commercial, andinstitutional use, or GLADE®, a household deodorant, both sold by S. C.Johnson and Son, Inc., of Racine, Wis. The fluid may also comprise otheractives, such as sanitizers, air fresheners, odor eliminators, mold ormildew inhibitors, insect repellents, and the like, or that havearomatherapeutic properties. The fluid alternatively comprises any fluidknown to those skilled in the art that can be dispensed from acontainer. The dispenser 10 is therefore adapted to dispense any numberof different fluid formulations.

The housing 20 of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-6 comprises a baseportion 100 and a top portion 104. First and second sidewalls 108, 112,respectively, extend between the base portion 100 and the top portion104. Further, the top portion 104 includes first and second shoulders116, 120, respectively, wherein the first shoulder 116 extends inwardlyfrom the first sidewall 108 and the second shoulder 120 extends inwardlyfrom the second sidewall 112. The present embodiment also includes anactuator arm cover 124 that extends upwardly from the top portion 104 tocover the actuator arm 30. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator armcover 124 is contoured to have a shape similar to that of the actuatorarm 30.

A slot 128 is disposed between the first and second shoulders 116, 120of the top portion 104 as may be seen in FIG. 1. The slot 128 issubstantially cylindrical and is open on a front side 132. An inner wall136 defining the slot 128 is contoured to allow a portion of thecontainer 60 to easily nest therein. FIGS. 5 and 6 show that the topportion 104 also includes a channel 140 adjacent the slot 128, whereinthe channel 140 is disposed between an inner rear panel 144 and an outerrear panel 148 of the housing 20.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1-4, the container 60 is insertedthrough the front side 132 of the housing 20 and into a recess 200defined in part by a bottom surface 204, side surfaces 208 and 212,angled surfaces 216 and 220, and a rear surface 224. Further, a neck 228of the container 60 is inserted into the slot 128, which assists in thealignment and/or securing of the container 60. Two AA batteries 232 arealso inserted into the housing 20 through the front side 132 thereof,similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 discussed below. Thebatteries 232 are secured by an interference fit between respectivepositive and negative terminals.

The container 60 may be an aerosol container or a pump-type sprayercontainer of any size and volume known to those skilled in the art.However, the container 60 is preferably an aerosol container comprisinga body 250 with a mounting cup 254 crimped to a top end 258 thereof. Themounting cup 254 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes an outerwall 262 that extends circumferentially therearound. In some instances,the neck 228 of the container 60 is disposed below the mounting cup 254,wherein the neck 228 is angled inwardly with respect to the mounting cup254 and the remaining area of the body 250. A pedestal 266 also extendsupwardly from a central portion of a base 270 of the mounting cup 254. Avalve assembly 274 within the container 60 includes a valve stem 278,wherein a distal end 282 of same extends through the pedestal 266. Ifdesired, a button or other actuator (not shown) may also be assembledonto the distal end 282 of the valve stem 278. When the distal end 282of the valve stem 278 is depressed the valve assembly 274 is opened andthe contents of the container 60 are discharged through an orifice 286of the valve stem 278. The contents of the container 60 may bedischarged in a continuous or metered dose. Further, the discharging ofthe contents of the container 60 may be effected in any number of ways,e.g., a discharge comprising a partial metered dose, a discharge througha partial opening of the valve assembly 274, multiple consecutivedischarges, etc.

With regard to FIGS. 5 and 6, the actuator arm 30 includes a mainportion 300, an intermediate portion 304, and an overhang portion 308. Adepending attachment portion 312 that includes a bore extends downwardlyfrom the main portion 300. The attachment portion 312 is coupled to asection of the drive unit 40, as noted in greater detail hereinafter.The main portion 300 is disposed within the channel 140 and issubstantially parallel with the outer rear panel 148 of the housing 20.The intermediate portion 304 of the actuator arm 30 extends laterallyand upwardly from the main portion 300. An upper end 316 of theintermediate portion 304 is therefore farther from the outer rear panel148 and the top portion 104 of the housing 20 than the main portion 300.The overhang portion 308 of the actuator arm 30 extends from the upperend 316 of the intermediate portion 304 toward the front side 132 of thehousing 20. The overhang portion 308 is substantially transverse to themain portion 300. Further, at least a section of the overhang portion308 is disposed above the slot 128.

Prior to opening the valve assembly 274 and releasing the contents ofthe container 60, the actuator arm 30 and overhang portion 308 arepositioned in a pre-actuation position. Preferably, when the actuatorarm 30 and the overhang portion 308 are disposed in the pre-actuationposition, the distal end 282 of the valve stem 278 is spaced slightlyfrom or just in contact with a lower side 320 of the overhang portion308. Alternatively, at this point, the overhang portion 308 maypartially depress the valve stem 278 a distance insufficient to open thevalve assembly 274.

A dispensing bore 324 terminating at an orifice 325 is provided withinthe overhang member 308 that extends from an upper side 328 of theoverhang portion 308 to the lower side 320 thereof and allows for fluidcommunication between the container 60 and the outside atmosphere. Whilethe dispensing bore 324 could have any geometrical shape, FIGS. 1-6depict that the dispensing bore 324 has a circular cylindrical shape.The dispensing bore 324 preferably has a diameter of about 20 mils. Alongitudinal axis A of the dispensing bore 324 is preferably oriented ina direction normal to a plane of the base portion 100 of the housing 20.Thus, the contents of the container 60 are discharged upwardly throughthe dispensing bore 324 and into the atmosphere when the valve assembly274 is opened. If desired, the dispensing bore 324 may instead beL-shaped or have any other nonlinear shape to direct the contents of thecontainer 60 in a direction other than upwards. Still further, thecross-sectional shape and/or diameter of the dispensing bore 324, and/orthe orifice 286 and/or the orifice 325 may be modified to obtain anydesired spray pattern, or to alter the swirling and/or mechanicalbreakup of the discharged liquid, as should be evident to one ofordinary skill in the art.

The actuator arm 30 depresses the valve stem 278 through motion impartedthereto by the drive unit 40. The drive unit 40 includes a drive motor400 in association with a reduction gear train 404 as may be seen inFIGS. 5 and 6. The drive motor 400 is mounted within the base portion100 of the housing 20 beneath the bottom surface 204 of the recess 200.The drive motor 400 includes a motor gear 408, otherwise referred to asa first pinion, which is directed toward the outer rear panel 148 of thehousing 20. The motor gear 408 meshes with a drive gear 412, wherein thedrive gear 412 includes a second pinion 416 that is rotatable about anaxle 418. The second pinion 416 of the drive gear 412 meshes with anidler gear 420, wherein the idler gear 420 includes a third pinion 424that is rotatable about an axle 426. The third pinion 424 of the idlergear 420 meshes with a lever gear 428. The drive, idler, and lever gears412, 420, 428, respectively, are disposed between the inner rear panel144 and the outer rear panel 148 of the housing 20. The axles 418 and426 are molded extrusions extending from the inner rear panel 144,wherein distal ends thereof extend into holes 429 and 430, respectively,of the outer rear panel 148.

The lever gear 428 rotates about an axle 432 that extends from the innerrear panel 144 to a hole 436 of the outer rear panel 148. The lever gear428 is further connected to the attachment portion 312 by a pin 450 at apoint offset from the axle 432. When the lever gear 428 is rotated viathe gear reduction train 404 and the drive motor 400 in a clockwisedirection (as seen in FIG. 6), the actuator arm 30 is pulled downwardlytoward a discharge position. Conversely, when the lever gear 428 isrotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the actuator arm 30 is pushedupwardly toward the pre-actuation position. A molded rib 454 projectingfrom the inner rear panel 144 interferes with the lever gear 428 whenthe actuator arm 30 has been pulled into the discharge position.

The actuator arm 30 is moved to the discharge position by pulling samedownwardly to a particular point such that the valve stem 278 isdepressed and the valve assembly 274 is opened, thereby allowingdischarge of fluid through the valve assembly 274. The particular pointis selected to coincide with a partial or full depression of the valvestem 278. Fully depressing the valve stem 278 releases either a fullmetered discharge or a continuous discharge of the container contents,while partially depressing the valve stem 278 results in a partialmetered or partial continuous discharge of the container contents.Preferably, although not necessarily, the actuator arm 30 is held in thedischarge position for a length of time (referred to hereinafter as a“spraying period”). The duration of the spraying period could rangeanywhere from a fraction of a second to one or more seconds. Indeed, ifdesired, the actuator arm 30 could be held in the discharge positionuntil all of the container contents are exhausted. At the end of thespraying period, the drive motor 400 is deenergized and thespring-biased valve stem moves the actuator arm 30 to the pre-actuationposition and terminates further spraying. The movement of the actuatorarm 30 back to the pre-actuation position is aided by a bounce effectcreated by deenergizing the drive motor 400 after the lever gear 428 isin forced contact with the molded rib 454. If desired, the actuator arm30 may be moved to and from the discharge position multiple times inresponse to the occurrence of a single condition to provide for multiplesequential discharges. Multiple sequential discharges may be beneficialwhen a single discharge from a continuously discharging container with along spraying period is not desired, or when a single discharge from ametered container is insufficient.

The drive unit 40 of the dispenser 10 preferably utilizes a high torquerated motor with higher rpm speed relative to prior art dispensers. Insome instances, the drive motor 400 is 5 to 10 times faster than motorsused in prior art dispensers. A more energy efficient system is obtainedby running the drive motor 400 faster during the depression of the valvestem 278. This increase in efficiency is an unexpected result and iscounterintuitive to the teachings of the prior art. Further, by placinga substantial portion of the drive unit 40 between the inner and outerrear panels 144, 148, the size of the dispenser 10 relative to prior artdispensers is significantly reduced. Still further, low-weight materialscan be used (for example, the gears and motor pinion may be made offlexible urethane or thermoplastic), so that a low-weight dispenser 10is obtained. The reduced size and weight permits the dispenser 10 to beplaced almost anywhere in a home or business. Still further, thedisclosed positioning of the drive unit 40 also has the advantage ofmaking a dispenser 10 that is quieter relative to prior art dispensers.Also, the use of a flexible material or materials for the gears furtherreduces the noise coming from the drive unit 40.

FIG. 1 shows that the dispenser 10 includes a switch 500. The switch 500has an off position 502 as seen in FIG. 1 and an on position 504 (to theleft as seen in FIG. 1). When the switch 500 is moved to the onposition, the dispenser 10 operates in an automatic timed mode ofoperation as noted in greater detail below in connection with FIG. 7.Depression of a further pushbutton switch 508 (FIG. 2) causes a manualspraying operation to be undertaken. The manual spraying option allowsthe user to override and/or supplement the automatic operation of thedispenser 10 when so desired.

FIG. 7 depicts a timing diagram of the present embodiment thatillustrates operation of the dispenser 10 during use. Initially, thedispenser 10 is energized by moving the switch 500 to the on positionwhereupon the dispenser 10 enters a startup delay period. Uponcompletion of the startup delay period, the drive unit 40 is directed todischarge fluid from the dispenser 10 during a first spraying period.The startup delay period is preferably three seconds long. Uponcompletion of the first spraying period, the dispenser 10 enters a firstsleep period that lasts a predetermined time interval, such as aboutfour hours. Upon expiration of the first sleep period the drive unit 40is actuated to discharge fluid during a second spraying period.Automatic operation thereafter continues with alternating sleep andspraying periods. At any time during a sleep period, the user canmanually actuate the dispenser 10 for a selectable or fixed period oftime by depressing the pushbutton switch 508. Upon termination of themanual spraying operation, the dispenser 10 initiates a further completesleep period. Thereafter, a spraying operation is undertaken.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show another embodiment of a dispenser 10 a. A switch 500a is preferably a toggle switch movable to one of three stablepositions. When the switch 500 a is in a center position 512 thedispenser 10 a is deenergized. When the switch 500 a is moved to a firston position 516, power is supplied to electrical components of thedispenser 10 a and the dispenser 10 a operates in a timed mode ofoperation, as described in connection with FIG. 7 hereinabove. Movementof the switch 500 a to a second on position 520 energizes the electricalcomponents of the dispenser 10 a and causes the dispenser 10 a tooperate in a combined timed and sensing mode of operation responsive tothe output of a sensor 524, as noted in greater detail hereinafter. Afurther switch 528 of the push-button type is also provided for manualactivation of the drive unit 400, wherein the switch 528 may bedepressed by the user to cause a spraying operation at any time, exceptwhen the dispenser 10 a is off The switch 528 allows the user tomanually override the automated activation of the dispenser 10 a.

In the present embodiment, the sensor 524 is a photocell motion sensor.However, other commercially available motion detectors may be utilizedwith the present embodiment, e.g., a passive infrared or pyroelectricmotion sensor, an infrared reflective motion sensor, an ultrasonicmotion sensor, or a radar or microwave radio motion sensor. Thephotocell collects ambient light and allows a controller 532 (FIG. 11)to detect any changes in the intensity thereof. Filtering of thephotocell output is undertaken by the controller 532. If the controller532 determines that a threshold light condition has been reached, e.g.,a predetermined level of change in light intensity, the controller 532activates the drive unit 40. For example, if the dispenser 10 a isplaced in a lit bathroom, a person walking past the sensor 524 may blocka sufficient amount of ambient light from reaching the sensor 524 tocause the controller 532 to activate the dispenser 10 a and discharge afluid.

When the switch 500 a is moved to the second on position 520, thedispenser 10 a preferably operates as shown by the timing diagram ofFIG. 10. Moving the switch 500 a to the second on position 520 initiallycauses the dispenser 10 a to enter a startup delay period. Uponexpiration of the startup delay period, fluid is discharged from thedispenser 10 a during a first spraying period. Upon completion of thefirst spraying period, the dispenser 10 a enters a first sleep mode,during which spraying is prevented, even if motion is detected by thesensor 524. Thereafter, if the sensor 524 detects motion afterexpiration of the first sleep period and sends a sensor output signal toa controller 532, the controller 532 times a specified time interval.The specified time interval is preferably approximately two minuteslong. Once the specified time interval has elapsed, the dispenser 10 adischarges fluid during a second spraying period. The delay in sprayingcauses the dispenser 10 a to wait the specified time interval followingdetection of motion to spray the fluid so that the occupant of the roomhas time to move away from the dispenser 10 a and/or leave the room.Upon completion of the second spraying period, the dispenser 10 a entersa second sleep period. The dispenser 10 a is prevented fromautomatically activating again in response to detection of motion untilthe second sleep period has elapsed. The sleep periods preventover-spraying by numerous automatic activations that may occur inheavily trafficked areas. It is preferred that each sleep period lastabout one hour.

At any time the user can initiate a manual spraying operation bymanually actuating the switch 528 to discharge fluid during a manualspraying period. Upon completion of the manual spraying period, thedispenser 10 a undergoes a complete sleep period. Thereafter, thedispenser 10 a alternates between sleep periods and spray periodsinitiated by motion detection following expiration of a sleep period. Afull sleep period follows every spray period, regardless of whether thespray period was responsive to motion detection or actuation of theswitch 528. For example, the timing diagram of FIG. 10 illustratesanother manual actuation at a time t and the dispenser 10 a thereafterentering a full sleep period.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the sleep periods may all beof the same duration and a sleep period is automatically undertakenfollowing termination of a spray operation, whether the spray operationis initiated manually or automatically. Also in the preferredembodiments, the lengths of the spray periods are all equal. If desired,one or more of the sleep periods may be longer or shorter than othersleep periods and/or one or more of the spray periods may be longer orshorter than other spray periods. In addition, the startup delay periodmay be omitted and the first spraying operation can be undertakenimmediately upon power-up of the dispenser. Still further, the controlmethodology can be modified to cause spraying operations to beperiodically undertaken at equal or unequal intervals without regard towhether a manual spraying operation has been undertaken.

If desired, the dispenser 10 a may be modified to be operable onlyduring particular hours, e.g., during the day or only at night.

In a different embodiment, the sensor 524 is a vibration or tilt sensorknown to those skilled in the art. By placing the dispenser 10 a on adoor or a toilet bowl, the closing or flushing of same, respectively,causes the sensor 524 to develop an output signal that is delivered tothe controller 532. Thereafter, the dispenser 10 a discharges fluid in amanner similar to that described above.

It is also envisioned that numerous other types of sensors 524 could beused with the presently disclosed dispenser 10 a. More specifically, asound activated sensor could activate the dispenser 10 a upon orfollowing detection of a sound, such as a toilet flushing or a doorclosing. Alternatively, a water level sensor may be particularly usefulto activate the dispenser 10 a when a toilet is flushed or at a certaintime following flushing. In a different embodiment, the sensor 524 is apressure sensor that activates the drive unit 40 at or following thetime that a person steps on a specified area of a floor or sits on atoilet seat. In yet another embodiment, a humidity sensor activates thedispenser 10 a at or following the time when a toilet is flushed(thereby causing humidity in the vicinity of the toilet to increase) orwhen the air is too dry or too moist. Still further, a temperaturesensor that registers changes in ambient temperature in the vicinity ofa toilet may be provided to activate the dispenser 10 a at or followingthe time when a person is near the toilet and thereby raises the ambienttemperature in the vicinity thereof. Such a temperature sensor couldinstead be disposed in a manner to sense temperature change when thewater level of a toilet changes so that the dispenser 10 a is activatedwhen the toilet is flushed (or at a particular time following flushing).Finally, an odor sensor could detect certain molecules in areas such asa bathroom or kitchen and activate the dispenser 10 a immediately or ata particular time following such detection. While it is preferred thatonly one of the sensors 524 be utilized, any combination of such sensorscould be used, with the varying combinations being selected by anappropriate switch or switches. Further, the present listing ofpotential sensors 524 is not exhaustive but is merely illustrative ofthe different types of sensors 524 that can be used with the dispenser10 described herein. Still further, the placement of the dispenser 10 isnot confined to any of the specific examples described above. It isintended that the dispenser 10 be placed in any area where thedispensing of a fluid is required and/or where the sensor 524 iseffective.

Referring next to FIG. 11, a circuit for implementing the controller 532includes an MSP43OF1121 microprocessor 560 manufactured by TexasInstruments. The integrated circuit 560 is actuable by the switch 500 a.More specifically, the switch 500 a is of the two-pole, three-throw typeand includes contacts CON1-CON8. When the switch 500 a is in the middleor off position, contacts CON2 and CON3 are connected to one another asare contacts CON6 and CON7. Accordingly, no power is supplied to thecontact CON5 or the contact CON8, and hence, the various componentsillustrated in FIG. 11, including the integrated circuit 560, are offWhen the user moves the switch 500 a to the first on position, thecontacts CON2 and CON4 are connected to one another as are the contactsCON6 and CON8. The contact CON6 is connected to the positive terminal ofseries-connected batteries 232, and thus is at a potential ofapproximately three volts above ground. This voltage is deliveredthrough the contact CON8, a diode D1, and an inductor L1 to develop avoltage VCC. A capacitor C1 is connected between the voltage VCC andground. The LC circuit formed by the inductor L1 and the capacitor C1smooth voltage variations so that the voltage VCC remains at asubstantially constant level. The voltage VCC is applied to a pin 2 ofthe integrated circuit 560. Further, ground potential is supplied to apin 4 of the integrated circuit 560. A capacitor C2 is coupled betweenthe pin 2 and the pin 4 of the integrated circuit 560.

A crystal 564 is connected between a pin 5 and a pin 6 of the integratedcircuit 560. The crystal 564 establishes a time base for an internalclock of the integrated circuit 560.

A pin 13 of the integrated circuit 560 is connected to the contact CON1and a first end of a resistor R1 wherein a second end of the resistor R1receives the voltage VCC. Pins 8-11 of the integrated circuit 560 arecoupled through resistors R2-R5 to pins 4, 1, 8, and 3, respectively, ofa further integrated circuit 568, comprising a ZHB6718 SM-8 BipolarTransistor H-Bridge integrated circuit sold by Zetex PLC of the UnitedKingdom. Resistors R6 and R7 are connected between the pins 4 and 8,respectively, of the integrated circuit 568 and the positive terminal ofthe series-connected batteries 232. The pins 1 and 3 of the integratedcircuit 568 are connected by resistors R8 and R9, respectively, toground. In addition, the positive terminal of the series-connectedbatteries 232 and ground are coupled to pins 6 and 2, respectively, ofthe integrated circuit 568. Pins 5 and 7 of the integrated circuit 568are coupled to first and second terminals of the drive motor 400. Acapacitor C3 is coupled across the drive motor 400.

A pin 15 of the integrated circuit 560 is connected to a junctionbetween a resistor R10 and the second switch 528. The resistor R10 andthe switch 528 are connected between the voltage VCC and ground.

In addition to the foregoing, a negative terminal of theseries-connected batteries 232 is connected through an inductor L2 toground. The integrated circuit 560 can be reset by applying a low statesignal to a pin 7. A resistor R11 is connected between the pin 7 and thevoltage VCC. A pair of capacitors C4 and C5 are connected betweenpositive and negative terminals of the series-connected batteries 232.

When the switch 500 a is in the second on position, a high state signalis supplied to the pin 13 of the integrated circuit 560, thereby causingoperation in the timed mode as shown in FIG. 7. This high state signalinstructs the integrated circuit 560 to begin the startup delay period.Upon expiration of the startup delay period, appropriate signals aredeveloped at the pins 8-11 of the integrated circuit 560 at thebeginning of the first spray period to cause the integrated circuit 568to energize the drive motor 400 in a first direction. The drive motor400 rotates the motor gear 408, in turn rotating the gears 412, 420, and428, thereby moving the actuator arm 30 downwardly. This downwardmovement depresses the valve stem 278 of the container 60, therebycausing a spraying operation. This motor energization continues for apredetermined amount of time, at the end of which the signals developedat the pins 8-11 of the integrated circuit 560 change to oppositestates. The integrated circuit 568 then energizes the drive motor 400 ina second direction, thereby reversing the downward force on the actuatorarm 30 and the valve stem 278 of the container 60. The actuator arm 30and the valve stem 278 then move upwardly in response to upward movementof the arm 30 and the upward force provided by the valve stem 278 sothat further release of the contents of the container 60 is prevented.

Following the termination of spraying during the first spray period, theintegrated circuit 560 enters the first sleep period. During this timelow state signals are developed at the pins 8-11 of the integratedcircuit 560 so that the drive motor 400 is kept in an off condition.Upon expiration of the first sleep period, the integrated circuit 560again develops appropriate signals at the pins 8-11, thereby causing theintegrated circuit 568 to energize the drive motor 400. As before, theactuator arm 30 and the valve stem 278 move downwardly, therebydischarging a spray of liquid from the container 60. At the end of thissecond spraying period, the integrated circuit 560 again developsopposite signals at the pins 8-11, thereby moving the arm 30 upwardlyuntil an end-of-travel limit is reached, whereupon the signals at thepins 8-11 of the integrated circuit 560 all revert to a low state. Thedrive motor 400 is thus deenergized via the integrated circuit 568 andthe integrated circuit 560 prevents further spraying until theexpiration of the second sleep period. The integrated circuit 560thereafter alternates between further spraying and sleep periods asnoted above.

At any time during any of the sleep periods, a user can command manualspraying of the container 60 by depressing the switch 528. This actioncauses a signal developed at the pin 15 of the integrated circuit 560 totransition from a high state to a low state. When this transition isdetected, the integrated circuit 560 energizes the drive motor 400 viathe pins 8-11 and the integrated circuit 568. At the termination of thespraying operation, the integrated circuit 560 begins timing of afurther sleep period, following which a spraying operation is againundertaken.

When the switch 500 a is moved to the second on position, a high statesignal is provided to the pin 13 of the integrated circuit 560, therebycausing the integrated circuit 560 to enter the combined timed/sensormode of operation. In this mode of operation, the first sprayingoperation is undertaken following a startup delay period and a sleepperiod is initiated at the end of the spraying operation, as seen inFIG. 10.

As seen in FIG. 11, a motion detector circuit 570 includes the sensor524 in the form of a photoresistor coupled between ground and a firstend of an AC coupling capacitor C6. A second end of the capacitor C6 iscoupled to a base electrode of a PNP bipolar transistor Q1. The base ofthe transistor Q1 is coupled to a first end of a biasing resistor R12. Asecond end of the biasing resistor R12 is coupled to ground. A furtherresistor R13 is coupled between an emitter electrode of the transistorQ1 and the photoresistor 524. A capacitor C7 is coupled across theemitter electrode and a source electrode of the transistor Q1. Aresistor R14 is coupled between the source electrode and ground.

The resistor R13 and the photoresistor 524 act as a voltage divider. Thechanging resistance of the photoresistor 524 in response to changinglight conditions causes a varying voltage to be developed at thejunction between the resistor R13 and the photoresistor 524. An ACcomponent of this varying voltage is delivered to the base electrode ofthe transistor Q1. The transistor Q1 is operated in the linear mode andthe components C7 and R14 act as a low-pass filter. The component valuesare selected so that a signal is developed on a line 572 for eachtransition in light received by the photoresistor 524 occurring over ashort interval. Thus, a signal is developed on the line 572 when aperson passes in front of the photoresistor and again when the personmoves sufficiently to unblock the photoresistor. No signal is developedon the line 572 when the light transition is developed over a longperiod of time, such as at dusk or dawn. Each time a signal is developedon the line 572, the integrated circuit 560 pulls the pin 14 thereof toa low voltage for a brief period of time, such as 0.25 second, toenergize a light emitting diode LED1 (also seen in the embodiment ofFIG. 12). The integrated circuit 560 uses either a high-to-lowtransition or a low-to-high transition in the signal on the line 572 asa trigger to cause a spraying operation, either immediately or after adelay period, provided that the circuit 560 is not in the sleep mode.The controller 532 operates in accordance with the timing diagram ofFIG. 10 during this mode of operation.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment incorporating the controller 532 andwhich is identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, except as notedbelow.

The embodiment of FIG. 12 includes two slots 600 disposed within thebottom surface 204 of the recess 200. The batteries 232 (not shown inFIG. 12) are secured by way of an interference fit between terminalswithin the two slots 600 and respective terminals on an opposing wall ofthe recess. The embodiment of FIG. 12 also includes a groove 604 withinthe overhang portion 308. The groove 604 faces the front side 132 of thehousing 20 and is dimensioned to receive the valve stem 278 therein. Thepresent embodiment further includes a recess (not shown) disposed on thelower side 320 of the overhang portion 308. The recess is sufficientlysized to allow entry of a portion of the distal end 282 of the valvestem 278. The recess acts as a centering mechanism to align the valvestem 278 with the second orifice 324 and/or as a directional guide forthe discharged contents. A second recess 608 is disposed on the oppositeside of the overhang portion 308. The recess 608 may have across-sectional size larger than the size of the dispensing bore 324.Further, the cross-sectional size of the recess 608 may vary, e.g., therecess 608 may have a circular shape with a diameter that is smalleradjacent the dispensing bore 324 than the diameter of the recess 608adjacent the opposite side of the overhang portion 308. When the valvestem 278 is depressed by the downward motion of the overhang portion308, the fluid dispensed from the container 60 traverses the recess, thedispensing bore 324, and the second recess 608 before being dischargedinto the atmosphere. The dispensing bore 324 and/or the second recess608 may discharge the fluid in a direction normal to an axial length ofthe container 60 or at any angle therefrom.

With regard to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-6, 8, 9, and 12, thedispensers 10, 10 a, and 10 b may have numerous varying characteristics.For example, the overhang portion 308 or the actuator arm 30 may imparta force onto any area of the valve stem 278 to depress or tilt same.

If desired, the slot 128 may be dimensioned to form an interference fitwith the container 60. In yet another alternative, a portion of thecontainer 60, such as the upper portion, is provided with a groove,protrusion, or any other engaging mechanism for interaction with acomplementary protrusion, groove, or engaging mechanism, respectively,located on or within the inner wall 136 or any other wall of thedispenser. Further, the inner wall 136 may be angled or tapered inwardly(i.e., toward a center of the slot 128) from bottom to top. The taperingof the inner wall 136 provides for an engagement surface with the neck228 or any other engagement member of the container 60. Some of theengaging mechanisms assist in keeping the container 60 within the recess200 and in alignment with the actuator arm 30. Other engaging mechanismsallow for a broader spectrum of container sizes to be used with a singledispenser. For example, a dispenser that has an engaging mechanism forinteraction with the neck of a container could hold and align acontainer having a bottom end thereof in contact with the bottom surface204 of the recess 200, or a bottom end thereof suspended above thebottom surface 204 of the recess 200.

As a still further alternative, the motor 400 may be driven in twodirections to open and close the valve assembly 274. In this case, whenspraying is to be terminated, the motor is energized in a seconddirection to reverse the downward force on the actuator arm 30 and thevalve stem 278. The actuator arm 30 and the valve stem 278 then moveupwardly to the pre-actuation position in response to upward movement ofthe actuator arm 30 and the upward force provided by the valve assembly274, at which time the valve assembly 274 of the container 60 is closed.

In yet another alternative, the axles 418, 426, and 432 are not moldedinto the inner rear panel 144. Instead, the axles 418, 426, and 432 aremounted into a steel or metal plate, wherein the axles 418, 426, and 432cantilever from the plate to provide support and alignment.

It is also envisioned that different alternatives of the dispenser mayhave the ability to hold and spray one or more containers having thesame or different products (see FIG. 45). Further, the dispenser couldspray the contents of the containers at the same time or at selectedintervals and sequences.

FIGS. 13-16 depict several other embodiments of the present dispensers10, 10 a, and 10 b, which are characterized by the inclusion of a frontcover 650 disposed adjacent the front side 132 of the housing 20. FIG.13 shows one specific embodiment of a front cover 650 in an openposition. FIG. 14 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 13 in a closedposition. Closing the front cover 650 prevents the user from viewing thebatteries 232 and the container 60. The front cover 650 is mounted tothe first or second sidewall by a hinge (not shown). The front cover 650is also contoured adjacent the overhang member 308 to ensure that thefront cover 650 does not block or obstruct the flow path of the fluiddispensed from the second orifice 324 of the actuator arm 30.

The front cover 650 of FIGS. 13 and 14 is fashioned to allow the secondswitch 528 to be depressed when the front cover 650 is closed. The userapplies pressure to the front cover 650 adjacent an area 654 to actuatethe second switch 528. When the user presses the area 654, the frontcover 650 is forcibly rotated about the hinge from the closed position asufficient distance to cause an inside of the front cover 650 to contactand depress the second switch 528. Release of the front cover 650 afteractuation of the second switch 528 causes the front cover 650 to flexback into the closed position. In other embodiments, the front covercould be depressible in one or more areas to actuate one or moreswitches. Still further, some embodiments have buttons or other switchesdisposed within the front cover 650.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the front cover 650 includes anLED port 658 to view LED1 therethrough. The present embodiment alsoincludes a spray slot 662 to allow fluid dispensed from the dispensingbore 324 to pass therethrough. A sensor port 666 is also provided toallow a sensory access path for the sensor 524. The front cover 650 isopened by pivoting same upwardly around a hinge 670. Further, the frontcover 650 of FIG. 15 is also depressible adjacent the base portion 100of the housing 20, wherein depression of the front cover 650 results inactuation of the second switch 528.

FIG. 16 depicts another dispenser 10 having a wraparound cover 674. Thewraparound cover 674 fittingly engages with the housing 20 to cover thefront side 132, the outer rear panel 148, and the sidewalls 108, 112.The wraparound cover 674 includes a hole 678 within a top end 682thereof that is in alignment with the dispensing bore 324. The hole 678allows fluid sprayed from the dispensing bore 324 to pass therethroughand reach the atmosphere. Preferably, the wraparound cover 674 includesa release mechanism 686 that disengages the wraparound cover 674 fromthe housing 20. In the present embodiment, the user depresses areas ofthe wraparound cover 674 adjacent the sidewalls 108, 112 to disengage aninside undercut 690 of the wraparound cover 674 from an undercut 694 onthe front side 132 of the base portion 100. Disengaging the undercuts690, 694 from each other allows the wraparound cover 674 to be removedfrom the housing 20.

An alternative embodiment of a dispenser 10 c is depicted in FIGS.17-22, which is similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12 in that itgenerally comprises an octagonal housing 20 with the actuator arm 30being similarly disposed for depression of the valve stem 278 of thecontainer 60. However, the present embodiment may be altered to fully orpartially encompass any of the differing structural and functionalaspects described herein.

FIGS. 17-19 depict a tulip-shaped dispenser cover 700 secured to thehousing 20. The cover 700 wraps around the side walls 108, 112, the topportion 104, the actuator arm 30, and the front side 132 of the housing20 in a closed condition, thereby leaving a bottom end of the baseportion 100 and the rear side of the housing 20 exposed. The cover 700is pivotally attached to the actuator arm cover 124. The cover 700 ismoved into an open position by rotating same about a hinge 704comprising two cylindrical members 708 a, 708 b extending outwardly fromthe actuator arm cover 124. The cover 700 includes corresponding grooves712 a, 712 b disposed on inwardly extending bars 716 a, 716 b thatpivotally mate with the two cylindrical members 708 a, 708 b,respectively.

A curvilinear groove 720 extends from a lower end 724 of the cover 700to an upper end 728 thereof and partially defines a first portion 732 ofthe upper end 728. A second portion 736 is disposed adjacent the firstportion 732 and, in conjunction with the first portion 732, causes theupper end 728 to have a general V-shape. A circular hole 738 extendsthrough a center of the V-shaped upper end 728. The circular hole 738 isaligned with the dispensing bore 324 of the actuator arm 30 in theclosed position. The circular hole 738 is sized to allow uninterruptedor partially interrupted passage of fluid from the dispensing bore 324therethrough. Further, an oval shaped recess 740 is disposed in thelower end 724 of the cover 700. A second circular hole 744 extendsthrough the cover 700 at a bottom portion 746 of the oval recess 740.The second circular hole 744 is aligned with a sensor 748 within thebottom portion 100 of the housing 20 when the cover 700 is in a closedposition. Still further, an inside surface 752 of the cover 700 includesan activation bar (not shown) for engagement with a push button switch756 disposed on the bottom portion 100 of the housing 20. Pressing thecover 700 adjacent the push button switch 756 causes same to bedepressed and for the electrical components of the dispenser 10 c to bemanually activated.

FIGS. 20 and 21 depict the dispenser 10 c without the cover 700. Thehousing 20 of the dispenser 10 c is similar to that of dispenser 10 bexcept that the dispenser 10 c includes numerous curved surfaces andshaped edges in contrast to the sharp lines of dispenser 10 b depictedin FIG. 12. One skilled in the art will find the aesthetic differencesbetween dispensers 10 c and 10 b to be apparent from the provided FIGS.12 and 17-21. However, several differences between the dispensers 10 band 10 c are provided below to provide a more complete description ofthe dispenser 10 c.

The base portion 100 of the dispenser 10 c adjacent the front side 132comprises a curved surface having a switch 500 b disposed therein. Theswitch 500 b is disposed adjacent the first side wall 108, whereas thepush button switch 756 is disposed adjacent the second side wall 112 andthe sensor 748 is disposed in a center of the base portion 100. Theswitch 500 b is adapted to be toggled between four positions. A firstposition 760 deactivates the dispenser 10 c. Movement of the switch 500b to any one of a second position 764, third position 768, or fourthposition 772 energizes the electrical components of the dispenser 10 cand causes the dispenser 10 c to operate in a combined timed and sensingmode of operation responsive to the output of the sensor 748. While thesensor 748 is preferably a photocell light sensor capable of detectingchanges in light, the sensor 748 may comprise any type of sensor knownto those skilled in the art and/or as discussed herein.

Activation of the dispenser 10 c may be initiated by manual input,sensory input, and/or the lapsing of a time interval as discussed in theembodiments above. It is preferred, however, that the second position764 provide for about a twenty minute timed interval between automaticspray periods, the third position 768 provide for about a forty minutetimed interval between automatic spray periods, and the fourth position772 provide for about an eighty minute timed interval between automaticspray periods. In another preferred embodiment, the second position 764provides an about ten minute timed interval, the third position 768provides an about twenty minute timed interval, and the fourth position772 provides an about forty minute timed interval. However, as notedabove with respect to the prior embodiments, the time intervals maycomprise any period of time desired including, for example, a timeinterval between about ten minutes to about eighty minutes or more, orabout 10 minutes or less. It is also envisioned that different timeintervals will be provided on the basis of the fluid to be dispensedand/or varying user preferences and/or inputs.

Operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 17-22 is illustrated by the statediagram of FIG. 23. A state S1 comprises a condition wherein thedispenser 10 c is off and the batteries 232 have not been insertedtherein. Once the batteries 232 have been properly inserted into thedispenser 20 c, the dispenser 10 c assumes a state S2 wherein the unitawaits actuation of either of the switches 500 b or 756. If a user movesthe slide switch 500 b to one of the twenty, forty, or eighty minutepositions and the photocell sensor 748 detects light, the dispenser 10 ctransitions to a state S3 at which a predetermined delay period istimed. In the preferred embodiment, the delay period comprises about oneminute. Also while in the state S3, the dispenser 10 c initializes threesleep counters that count twenty, forty, and eighty minute sleepperiods.

Upon expiration of the predetermined time period (e.g., one minute), thedispenser 10 c transitions to a state S4 whereupon the drive motor 400is energized for about one-half second. As previously noted, this motor400 energization operates through the gear train 404 to depress thevalve stem 278 and causes emission of ingredients stirred within thecontainer 60. The dispenser 10 c can also transition from the state S2directly to the state S4 if the user depresses the manual push buttonswitch 756.

Upon expiration of the one-half second spray period (which, in otherembodiments, may have a duration other than one-half second) thedispenser 10 c transitions to a state S5 if the manual cycle waspreviously selected. While in the state S5, the dispenser 10 c eitherstarts the sleep counters (if the sleep counters have not already beenstarted) or continues the sleep counters if the sleep counters werepreviously actuated. The dispenser 10 c remains in the state S5 untilthe sleep counter selected by the user via the slide switch 500 b haselapsed, whereupon the dispenser 10 c transitions or returns to thestate S4 to cause spraying of the contents of the container 60. Itshould be noted that the transition from the state S5 to the state S4under these circumstances results also in a resetting of the sleepcounters just prior to transitioning of the dispenser 10 c to the stateS4.

The dispenser 10 c transitions from the state S4 to a state S6 upon theend of a spraying period provided that the transitioning into the stateS4 did not occur as a result of selection of a manual cycle. While inthe state S6, the sleep counters are reset and the dispenser 10 cautomatically transitions to the state S5.

It should be noted that the dispenser 10 c can transition from any ofthe states S3-S6 to the state S2 if the slide switches 500 b move to theoff position. Further, the dispenser 10 c transitions from any of thestates S2-S6 to the state S1 if either or both of the batteries 232 areremoved.

The operation depicted in FIG. 23 may be carried out in a similar matteras described above and as known to one skilled in the art. Conventionaldiscrete electronic components, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, andan application specific integrated circuit are contemplated as beinguseful in carrying out the present operation.

For purposes of further explaining how the dispenser 10 c operates, thefollowing example is illustrative of a typical embodiment. The dispenser10 c is placed in a room that is provided with no illumination. Theswitch 500 b is initially in the first position 760 so that thedispenser 10 c is inactive. The switch is thereafter toggled to thesecond position 764 that is utilized to initiate an automatic spray timeinterval of about twenty minutes. Simultaneously, the toggling of theswitch 500 b to the second position 764 activates the sensor 748. Thesensor 748 comprises a light sensor similar to those described above.The sensor 748 fails to register a sufficient amount of ambient lightand prevents controller 532 from activating the dispenser 10 c. A personthereafter enters the room and turns on a light. A sufficient amount ofambient light is generated from the light to register with the sensor748. Upon completion of a startup delay period, the drive unit 40 isdirected to discharge fluid from the dispenser 10 c during a firstspraying period. The startup delay period is preferably about one minutelong. Upon completion of the first spraying period, the dispenser 10 centers a first sleep period that lasts the predetermined time intervalof about twenty minutes. Upon expiration of the first sleep period thedrive unit 40 is actuated to discharge fluid during a second sprayingperiod. Automatic operation thereafter continues with alternating sleepand spraying periods. At any time during a sleep period, the user canmanually activate the dispenser 10 c for a selectable or fixed period oftime by depressing the push button switch 756. Manual activation of thedispenser 10 c does not effect the current sleep period or when the nextspraying period commences. The user enters the room again after severalsleep and spraying periods have elapsed and turns off the light. Thesensor 748 no longer registers a sufficient amount of ambient light anddeactivates the dispenser 10 c.

Further, while the combined timed and sensing mode of operation mayoperate in a similar manner as described above, in a differentembodiment the operation is responsive to a different set of consumerdesires. Specifically, activation of the dispenser 10 c in response tosensory input may cause a person or animal to become frightened orsurprised upon hearing the noise of the dispenser 10 c while spraying orby the unexpected nature of the spraying. This may occur if thedispenser 10 c automatically sprays when a person or animal moves pastthe dispenser 10 c or at a time thereafter while they are still in thevicinity of the dispenser 10 c. Further, some people and animals may notlike to be exposed to a strong initial burst of fluid that may accompanya spraying from the dispenser 10 c. Therefore, the combined timed andsensing mode of operation preferably prevents the automatic spraying ofthe dispenser 10 c when a person or animal moves past or is in thevicinity of the dispenser 10 c.

In a first example, the switch 500 b is toggled to the second position764, thereby providing an about twenty minute timed interval betweenautomatic spray periods. However, other time intervals such as aboutfifteen minutes or more may be used. After a first sleep period of abouttwenty minutes the dispenser 10 c automatically discharges fluid duringa first spraying period. Upon completion of the first spraying periodthe dispenser 10 c enters a second sleep period for the same twentyminute duration. This alternating pattern of spraying periods and sleepperiods continues until the dispenser 10 c is turned off or the sensor748 is activated. During the second sleep period a person enters theroom the dispenser 10 c is disposed within and crosses a sensory path ofthe senor 748. However, the person leaves prior to expiration of thesecond sleep period. Regardless of whether the sensor 748 is active orasleep, the controller 532 does not alter the timing of the activationof the second spray period if it receives a signal from the sensor 748during the sleep period. A second person also enters the room prior tothe expiration of the second sleep period and remains in the room untilthe end thereof. The sensor 748 registers movement across a sensory pathat the end of the second sleep period and transmits a signal to thecontroller 532 to prevent activation of the second spraying period. Thecontroller 532 thereafter enters into another sleep period for a delaytime interval such as about two minutes. However, other delay timeintervals such as about five minutes or less may be used. After the twominute delay time interval ends the sensor 748 repeats the step ofdetermining whether any motion registers across the sensory path. Ifmotion is registered by the sensor 748, a second delay time interval ofthe same duration is initiated. This step is repeated until no motion isregistered at the end of any delay time interval. However, in thepresent example the sensor 748 does not register any motion and sends asignal to the controller 532 to activate the dispenser 10 c and spray. Athird sleep mode is entered into for a duration of about twenty minutes.Thereafter, the prior steps are carried out in a similar manner.

In a second example, the same scenario as discussed above producesidentical results up until the sensor 748 registers movement from thesecond person after the second sleep period has ended. In this example,the sensor 748 sends a signal to the controller 532 to preventactivation of the second spray period and thereafter continuallyattempts to register movement across the sensory path to determine ifthere is movement in the room. In the present example, the second personmoves within the sensory path for approximately thirty seconds andthereafter stands still for another thirty seconds before initiatingmovement across the sensory path again to leave the room. During thethirty second time period the person is moving the sensor 748 registersmovement and prevents activation of the second spray period. Thereafter,the sensor 748 does not register movement and sends a signal to thecontroller 532 to reset the timer for a delay time interval of about twominutes. However, the sensor 748 still attempts to continually registermovement across the sensory path during the delay time interval. In thepresent example, the sensor 748 registers movement after the thirtysecond interval of no movement. In response, the sensor 748 continuallyattempts to register movement until none is detected, wherein the sensor748 then sends a signal to restart the delay time interval. After thetwo minute delay time interval the dispenser 10 c is activated. A thirdsleep period is thereafter entered into for a duration of about twentyminutes. The prior steps are carried out in a similar manner until thedispenser 10 c is deactivated.

In any of the examples provided above, an initial startup delay periodmay be provided prior to a first spraying period after the dispenser 10c is activated. Further, manual activation of the dispenser 10 c by wayof the push button switch 756 may be carried out in a similar manner asdescribed in the other embodiments herein. Still further, any variationin timing or operation of any aspect of the dispensers 10, 10 a, 10 b isapplicable to the present embodiments.

FIGS. 20 and 21 also show that the side walls 108, 112 extend betweenthe bottom portion 100 and the top portion 104. The side walls 108, 112include cut out portions 776 a, 776 b to assist in insertion and removalof the batteries 232 from the dispenser 10 c. The batteries 232 areinserted through the front side 132 of the housing 20 and into therecess 200. The recess 200 comprises a relatively flat bottom side 780having a curved recess 784 disposed within a center thereof. A steppedportion 788 extends upwardly from the bottom side 780 between the sidewalls 108, 112. A grooved portion 792 having a width coextensive with awidth of the curved recess 784 is provided within the stepped portion788. A first inner wall 796 and a second inner wall 800 are disposedbetween and parallel to the side walls 108, 112. The first inner wall796 and the side wall 108 define a first compartment 804 and the secondinner wall 800 and the side wall 112 define a second compartment 808.The first and second compartments 804, 808 are sized to retain thebatteries 232 therein and are provided with battery terminals 812 inelectrical communication with the circuitry of the dispenser 10 c. Aretention tab (not shown) depends from the top portion 104 within bothof the first and second compartments 804, 808 to assist in preventingthe batteries 232 from dislodging or accidentally being removed from thedispenser 10 c.

A third compartment 816 is provided between the first and secondcompartments 804, 808 for receipt of the container 60. A bottom end ofthe container rests on the stepped portion 788 adjacent the groovedportion 792. A finger of a user may be inserted within the groovedportion 792 to assist in the removal or insertion of the container 60.The inner walls 796, 800 are adapted to provide a relatively close fitwith the container body 250. A top portion of the container 60 extendsthrough the slot 128 disposed between the first and second shoulders116, 120 of the top portion 104. The slot 128 is contoured to closelyfit the top portion and the angled neck 228 of the container 60. Themounting cup 254 is disposed against the top portion 104 between theshoulders 116, 120.

FIGS. 20-22 show that the positioning and shape of the actuator arm 30and the actuator arm cover 124 with respect to each other and the otherfunctional elements of the dispenser 10 c are similar to those shown inFIG. 12. Several differences of particular note are the provision ofsubstantially smoother and curved surfaces and a rectangular groovewithin portions of the main and intermediate portions 300, 304 of theactuator arm 30. Another difference is the contouring of the secondrecess 608 into an oval shaped recess having a cross-sectional area thatnarrows non-uniformly from the upper side 328 of the overhang portion308 toward the dispensing bore 324 in an interior thereof. Further, thedispensing bore 324 is offset from a center of the second recess 608.

The drive motor 400 and the associated gear train 404 used to depressthe valve stem 278 operate in substantially the same way as describedabove. One particular difference is the positioning and orientation ofthe third pinion 424 and the lever gear 428. Specifically, the thirdpinion 424 is disposed adjacent the inner rear panel 144 as opposed tothe outer rear panel 148. Similarly, the lever gear 428 is on a side ofthe idler gear 420 that is now closer to the inner rear panel 144.Further, the axle 432 that extends from the inner rear panel 144 to thehole 436 of the outer rear panel 148 is now closer to the side wall 112than the side wall 108. The molded rib 454 projecting from the innerrear panel 144 is also disposed closer to the side wall 112. In contrastto the previously described embodiments, the lever gear 428 is rotatedcounter-clockwise to pull the actuator arm 30 downwardly into thedischarge position. Still further, the offset pin 450 is disposed in atruncated racetrack shaped groove 820 as opposed to a circular hole.

The dispenser 10 c is preferably disposed on a support surface while inan active state. In one embodiment, the bottom end of the bottom portion100 is adapted to be placed on a relatively flat support surface.Further, the dispenser 10 c may be rotated to rest the outer rear panel148 adjacent the support surface. In a different embodiment, an adhesiveis applied to the outer rear panel 148 to adhere the dispenser 10 c to asubstantially vertical support surface. In yet another embodiment, ahole 824 is provided in the outer rear panel 148 for attaching thedispenser 10 c to a corresponding hook or member extending from asubstantially vertical support surface.

Yet another embodiment of a dispenser 10 d is depicted in FIGS. 24-29,which is similar to the embodiment of the dispenser 10 c depicted inFIGS. 17-22. However, the present embodiment may be altered to fully orpartially encompass the differing structural and functional aspects ofany of the embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 24-26 depict the tulip shaped cover 700 similarly secured to thehousing 20 as described in connection with the dispenser 10 c. The cover700 wraps around the side walls 108, 112, the top portion 104, theactuator arm 30, and the front side 132 of the housing 20. The bottomend of the base portion 100 and the rear side of the housing 20 remainexposed. The cover 700 is pivotally attached to the actuator arm cover124 by the hinge 704 to move the cover 700 between open and closedpositions. The hinge 704 includes the opposing cylindrical members 708a, 708 b disposed on the actuator arm 30, which are pivotally engagedwith the grooves 712 a, 712 b within the extending bars 716 a, 716 b ofthe cover 700. However, it is contemplated that the cover 700 may bemodified to be pivotally attached to one of the side walls 108, 112, thebase portion 100, or any other portion of the housing 20. Indeed, any ofthe modifications to the covers described hereinabove with respect toother embodiments may be used with the dispenser 10 d. In oneembodiment, a boss (not shown) disposed on an interior of the cover 700is attachable to the front side 132 of the base portion 100 to keep thecover 700 closed during operation of the dispenser 10 d. Further, theboss or some other structure on the interior of the cover 700 may beadapted to actuate a switch (not shown), which would allow activation ofthe dispenser 10 d when the cover 700 is closed and prevent activationof the dispenser 10 d when the cover 10 d is partially or fully open.

The upper end 728 of the cover 700 is defined by the first portion 732and the second portion 736, which give the upper end 728 a generalV-shape. A substantially U-shaped groove 900 is provided within theupper end 728, which is centrally disposed therein and extends from arear portion 904 of the cover 700 toward a front portion thereof. Thegroove 900 is aligned with the dispensing bore 324 of the actuator arm30 so that fluid emitted therefrom may pass through the cover 700 in anuninterrupted or partially interrupted manner.

The cover 700 also includes a generally teardrop shaped orifice 908provided in the lower end 724 thereof. A similarly shaped button 912extends through the orifice 908 and projects outwardly from the cover700. The button 912 includes a top surface 916 for engagement by auser's thumb or finger. The top surface 916 is bounded by a peripheraledge 920 and has a generally concave appearance therebetween. An ovalshaped recess 924 is disposed within a medial portion of the top surface916, which is adapted to assist a user in engaging the button 912 toactuate same. A curved orifice 928 is disposed above the recess 924 onthe top surface 916 of the button 912. The orifice 928 is aligned with asensor 932 within the bottom portion 100 of the housing 20. The button912 is provided for activating the dispenser 10 d, wherein a signal isgenerated to activate the electrical components of the dispenser 10 d toemit fluid upon the depression of the button 912. The button 912 isattached to the front side 132 of the housing 20 by way of a livinghinge 934, wherein the depression and/or rotation of the button 912about the living hinge 934 causes a switch (not shown) beneath anextension 935 to generate a signal and the dispenser 10 d to dischargefluid during a manual activation sequence.

FIGS. 27 and 28 depict the dispenser 10 d without the cover 700. Thehousing 20 of the dispenser 10 d is similar to that of dispenser 10 cexcept for variations in some of the curved surfaces and shaped edgesdepicted in FIGS. 20 and 21. One skilled in the art will find theaesthetic differences between the dispensers 10 d and 10 c to beapparent from the provided FIGS. 24-29. However, several differencesbetween the dispensers 10 d and 10 c are provided below to provide amore complete description of the dispenser 10 d.

The base portion 100 of the dispenser 10 d does not include the fourposition switch 500 b adjacent the first side wall 108 nor the pushbutton switch 756 adjacent the second side wall 112. Rather, the button912 is substantially centrally disposed within the front side 132 of thebase portion 100. Further, the sensor 932 is operatively disposed behindthe orifice 928 of the button 912. Still further, the dispenser 10 ddoes not include a slide switch or any other switch for a user to selecta timing interval for the dispensing of fluid from the container 60. Inthe present embodiment, the dispenser 10 d is operated in light ofpre-selected parameters dependent upon a combined timed and sensingmode. The dispenser 10 d is activated upon operatively placing thebatteries 232 into the dispenser 10 d.

Activation of the dispenser 10 d is initiated by manual input or sensoryinput. In the present embodiment, the sensor 932 is a photocell motionsensor. The photocell collects ambient light and allows a controller todetect any changes in the intensity thereof. Filtering of the photocelloutput is undertaken by the controller. If the controller determinesthat a threshold light condition has been reached, i.e., a predeterminedlevel of change in light intensity has been received by the photocellover a short interval, the controller activates the drive unit 40. Inthe present embodiment, the predetermined level of change in lightintensity comprises a high-to-low transition of light intensity and alow-to-high transition in light intensity. For example, if the dispenser10 d is placed in a lit bathroom, a person walking past the sensor 932and who stands still within the sensory path may block a sufficientamount of ambient light from reaching the sensor 932 over a first timeinterval to cause a signal to be developed indicating a high-to-lowtransition in light intensity. In the present scenario, however, thecontroller will not activate the dispenser 10 d because a low-to-hightransition in light intensity has not been received by the photocellduring a second time interval, i.e., the person has not walked throughthe sensory path. However, if the person were to continue walkingthrough the sensory path within the second time interval, a low-to-hightransition in light intensity would occur and cause the controller toactivate the dispenser 10 d.

The use of a combined high-to-low and a low-to-high transition in lightintensity prevents the undesired discharge of fluid. For example, if aperson merely shuts a light off or turns a light on but does not walkthrough the sensory path, the present embodiment does not trigger aspraying operation, thereby conserving container fluid. It isanticipated that the controller may be triggered irrespective of whethera high-to-low transition occurs before or after a low-to-high transitionin light intensity. It is also anticipated that the first and secondtime intervals of the light intensity transitions may be within any timerange. However, it is preferred that the first and second time intervalsbe of a sufficiently short duration so that light transitions over longperiods of time, such as transitions that occur during the daytime andat dusk or dawn, will not cause the controller to activate the dispenser10 d.

In the present embodiment, the dispenser 10 d only effects fluiddischarge when the high-to-low and low-to-high transitions occur withina specified time interval. It is anticipated that any number ofspecified time intervals may be utilized to practice the presentembodiment. However, in a preferred embodiment the specified interval isshort enough to preclude discharge of fluid between events that occur atwidely spaced time intervals, e.g., turning a light on in the morningand turning the same light off in the evening.

When the batteries 232 are inserted into the housing 20, the dispenser10 d preferably operates as shown by the timing diagram of FIG. 30.Turning now to FIG. 30, it will be seen that upon insertion of thebatteries 232 the dispenser 10 d enters a startup delay period. Uponexpiration of the startup delay period, fluid is discharged from thedispenser 10 d during a first spraying period. Upon completion of thefirst spraying period, the dispenser 10 d enters a first sleep mode orlockout period, during which spraying is prevented even if motion isdetected by the sensor 932. Thereafter, the dispenser 10 d enters anactive mode, wherein the sensor 932 continuously monitors for motionwithin its sensory path in a manner as described above. If the sensor932 detects motion the controller immediately activates the drive unit40 to discharge fluid from the dispenser 10 d during a second sprayingperiod. Upon completion of the second spraying period, the dispenser 10d enters a second sleep period. The dispenser 10 d is prevented fromautomatically activating again in response to detection of motion untilthe second sleep period has elapsed. The sleep periods preventover-spraying by numerous activations that occur in heavily traffickedareas. It is preferred that the sleep period last about 30 minutes.

At any time the user can initiate a manual spraying operation bymanually actuating the button 912 to discharge fluid during a manualspraying period. For example, if the user were to depress the button 912during the startup delay period, or a sleep period, or prior to motiondetection during an active mode, the controller would trigger a manualspraying period and cause the discharge of fluid from the dispenser 10d. Upon completion of the manual spraying period, the dispenser 10 dundergoes a complete sleep period. Thereafter, the dispenser 10 dalternates between sleep periods and spray periods initiated by motiondetection following expiration of a sleep period. A full sleep periodfollows every spray period, regardless of whether the spray period wasresponsive to motion detection or actuation of the button 912. Forexample, the timing diagram of FIG. 30 illustrates another manualactuation at a time “t” and the dispenser 10 d thereafter entering afull sleep period.

In one embodiment, an LED indicator (not shown) is provided on thehousing 20, which may be viewable through an orifice in the cover 700 oronly viewable upon rotating the cover 700 into an open position. Whenthe dispenser 10 d is in a sleep mode, the LED indicator is illuminatedto provide an indication to a user that the dispenser 10 d will notautomatically spray. Preferably, the LED indicator is turned on and offat a high frequency so that the LED appears continuously illuminated,which provides the user a constant indication of the dispensing statusof the dispenser 10 d and increases the life of the batteries 232. Whenthe dispenser 10 d is in an active sensory mode or an automatic ormanual spraying mode, the LED indicator is off In a differentembodiment, the LED indicator is similarly de-activated when thedispenser 10 d is in the active sensory mode, but is activated prior tothe emission of fluid from the dispenser 10 d in response to anautomatic and/or manual spraying mode. The LED indicator therefore actsas a warning light to allow a user to clear the area from around thedispenser 10 d prior to the emission of fluid. In the presentembodiment, the LED indicator may be continuously illuminated for a settime interval prior to activation of the dispenser 10 d or the LEDindicator may be pulsed one or more times, e.g., the LED indicator maybe pulsed at five second intervals. It is anticipated that other usesfor the LED indicator may be provided for in the present embodiments,e.g., the LED indicator could alternatively be lit only during the sleepmode, the LED indicator could be used to indicate that the batteries 232are dead, or the LED indicator could be combined with one or more LEDsof the same or varying color to indicate various operating parameters ofthe dispenser 10 d.

As noted above with respect to the prior embodiments, the time intervalsmay comprise any period of time desired. For example, the sleep periodmay be modified to be within a range of about 15 min. to about 3 hrs.depending on the anticipated level of room usage, the strength of thefluid to be dispensed, the size of the room, etc. Similarly, the startupdelay period may be modified to be within a range of about 5 sec. toabout 2 min. depending on the environment the dispenser 10 d will beused in. For example, a longer startup delay period may be useful in anenvironment where people have a disability or slower response time sothat a user is not inadvertently sprayed after inserting the batteries232 into the dispenser 10 d. However, any time period outside of theabove noted ranges may be utilized to practice any of the embodimentsherein.

The present embodiment may also be modified to include a user selectablesleep period. For example, a switch or dial may be provided on thehousing 20 with an off position and one or more user selectablepositions. In the present example, the dispenser 10 d has a firstposition that coincides with a sleep period of about 20 min. and asecond position that coincides with a sleep period of about 40 min.Therefore, when the batteries are operatively inserted into the housing20 the dispenser 10 d does not automatically turn on. Rather, a usermust select one of the first or second positions to activate thedispenser 10 d and begin the operating sequence as described above anddepicted in FIG. 31. However, in the present example the user is able toselect the length of the sleep period as opposed to having the durationof the sleep period predefined.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the sleep periods and/orspray periods may all be of the same duration. If desired, one or moreof the sleep periods may be longer or shorter than other sleep periodsand/or one or more of the spray periods may be longer or shorter thanother spray periods. Still further, the startup delay period may beomitted and the first spraying operation can be undertaken immediatelyupon power-up of the dispenser. In fact, any variation in timing oroperation of any aspect of the dispensers 10, 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c isapplicable to the present embodiments.

While the sensor 932 is preferably a photocell light sensor capable ofdetecting changes in the intensity of light, the sensor 932 may compriseany type of sensor known to those skilled in the art and/or as discussedherein.

The operations described in view of FIG. 31 may be carried out in asimilar manner as described above and as known to one skilled in theart. Conventional discrete electronic components, a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, and an application specific integrated circuit arecontemplated as being useful in carrying out the present operations.

FIGS. 27 and 28 depict the side walls 108, 112 extending between thebottom portion 100 and the top portion 104. The side walls 108, 112include cut out portions 936 a, 936 b that extend between the front side132 and the inner rear panel 144. A first inner wall 940 and a secondinner wall 944 are disposed between and parallel to the side walls 108,112. The first and second inner walls 940, 944 similarly include cut outportions 948 a, 948 b, respectively, that extend inwardly from the frontside 132 toward the inner rear panel 144. The first inner wall 940 andthe side wall 108 define a first compartment 952 and the second innerwall 944 and the side wall 112 define a second compartment 956. Thefirst and second compartments 952, 956 are sized to retain the batteries232 therein and are provided with battery terminals 960 in electricalcommunication with the circuitry of the dispenser 10 d. The cut outportions 936 a, 936 b, 948 a, 948 b are provided to assist in theinsertion and removal of the batteries 232.

FIGS. 27 and 28 also depict a third compartment 964, which is providedbetween the first and second compartments 952, 956 within the recess 200for receipt of the container 60. A bottom end of the container 60 issuspended above a substantially flat bottom wall 968 of the recess 200.The spacing between the bottom end of the container 60 and the bottomwall 968 defines a void that allows a user to insert or otherwisemanipulate a finger or nail adjacent the container 60 to remove same forreplacement. The first and second inner walls 940, 944 are adapted toprovide a relatively close fit with the container body 250. A topportion of the container 60 extends through the slot 128 disposedbetween the first and second shoulders 116, 120 of the top portion 104.The slot 128 is contoured to closely fit the top portion and the angledneck 228 of the container 60. If desired, the slot 128 may bedimensioned to form an interference fit with the container 60. Further,the container 60 and the inner wall 136 of the slot 128, or any otherportion of the dispenser 10 d in communication with the container 60,may be modified as described herein to provide an engagement mechanismthat assists in aligning the container 60 with the actuator arm 30 orthat provides means for utilizing containers of varying sizes.

Engagement mechanisms, such as those discussed above, are also helpfulin ensuring that an improper container is not inserted into thedispenser 10 d. For example, if the dispenser 10 d is placed in a livingroom of a user's home he or she may inadvertently place a container ofan aerosolized insecticide within the dispenser 10 d if a properengagement mechanism is not provided. An engagement mechanism can alsoassist in preventing the mixture of different aerosolized products. Forexample, if a first aerosol is inadvertently replaced by a differentsecond aerosol, residual components of the first aerosol still withinthe dispenser 10 d will mix with the components of the second aerosol.While various engagement mechanisms are known to those skilled in theart, the engagement mechanisms described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,830,164 and6,978,914, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety,are of particular interest.

FIGS. 31 and 32 depict one embodiment of an engagement mechanism thatmay be practiced with the present embodiment by modifying the overhangportion 308 of the actuator arm 30 and the valve stem 278 of thecontainer 60. FIG. 31 shows the overhang portion 308 having a downwardlyprojecting actuating element 976 within an interior portion thereof. Theactuating element 976 includes a cylindrical engagement member 980having a tapered end with a sealing surface 984. If a conventionalaerosol container is placed within the dispenser 10 d, the sealingsurface 984 engages with portions of the valve stem defining a dischargeorifice and form a seal therewith. During a dispensing operation, nofluid (or substantially no fluid) will be discharged from the containerwhen the valve stem is depressed by the actuating element 976 becausethe flow of fluid is obstructed.

FIG. 32 depicts an isometric view of the modified valve stem 278 of thepresent embodiment. A first channel 988 extends axially through a lengthof the valve stem 278 and is in fluid communication with one or moresecondary channels or grooves 992. When the valve element 278 isdepressed by the engagement member 980, such as depicted in FIG. 31, thevalve in the container 60 is opened and aerosolized fluid flows aroundor past the engagement member 980 in the direction of the arrows. Afterpassing the engagement member 980, the fluid traverses the length of thegrooves 992 from an inner surface 996 of a circumferential side wall1000 of the valve stem 278 to a tip surface 1004 of the side wall 1000.In a different embodiment, one or more channels may extend from theinner surface 996 of the side wall 1000 to an exterior surface 1008thereof. In yet other embodiments, the engagement member 980 is adaptedto engage the inner surface 996, the tip surface 1004, and/or theexterior surface 1008 in a manner that allows for fluid communicationbetween the container 60 and a point past the engagement member 980.With reference again to FIG. 31, it may be seen that the overhangportion 308 includes a cylindrical chamber 1008 for receipt of thedistal end 282 of the valve stem 278 to align same with the engagementmember 980 and to channel discharged fluid through the dispensing bore324. The dispensing bore 324 extends between the upper side 328 of theoverhang portion 308 and the lower side 320 thereof in a manner asdescribed above. However, the dispensing bore 324 of the presentembodiment is disposed within the overhang portion 308 in a manner thatis offset from an axial length of the valve element 278.

It is anticipated that numerous other engagement mechanisms will beemployed with the embodiments described herein. For example, FIG. 33depicts the valve stem 278 having a square axial passage 1012. Anactuating element 1016 is provided that includes a sphericalspring-biased ball 1020. When the ball 1020 and the valve stem 278 areengaged during a dispensing sequence, the ball 1020 is at leastpartially disposed within the axial passage 1012. Fluid ejected throughthe valve stem 278 may pass through one or more clearances 1024 providedabout the periphery of the axial passage 1012. If a conventionalcylindrical valve stem were to be engaged with the ball 1020, therewould be no (or substantially no) clearance for the emission of thefluid. The square axial passage 1012 may be modified to take on anyshape and/or size so long as the corresponding actuating element 1016has a different shape and/or size to allow for clearance to existtherebetween.

FIGS. 34 and 35 depict yet another embodiment of the valve element 278that includes an interior surface 1024 defining a first channel 1028 andan exterior surface 1036 that includes a second channel 1040 disposedtherein. An actuating element 1044 includes a hollow engagement member1048, which has a generally inverted frustoconical shape for sealingengagement with a peripheral surface 1052 of the valve stem 278. Whenthe valve element 278 and the engagement member 1048 are engaged duringa dispensing sequence, the fluid first flows in the direction of thearrow upwardly through the first channel 1028 and thereafter downwardlythrough the second channel 1040. If a conventional cylindrical valvestem is utilized with the present embodiment the fluid will be trappedwithin the engagement member 1048 and no (or substantially no) fluidwill be discharged from the dispenser 10 d.

In a different embodiment, the valve element 278 is modified to includethe structure shown in any of FIGS. 36-44. All of the modified valveelements include exterior ends 1056 a-i having reduced diameters and atleast one side opening 1060 a-i, respectively. The side openings 1060a-i extend from an interior axial chamber 1064 of the valve stem 278through an outer wall 1068 thereof. The presently described valveelements 278 are preferably used in conjunction with a modified versionof a dispenser inlet valve that is described in connection with FIGS.25-34 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,914. It is intended that the structuredisclosed with respect to the dispenser inlet valve be modified to beincorporated fully or partially into the actuator arm 132 of the variousembodiments disclosed herein. The various arrangements described abovewill prevent emission of the contents of a container, which does notinclude a valve stem with at least one side opening and a reduceddiameter at an upper end thereof.

It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that any of thestructural and functional characteristics of the engagement mechanismsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,830,164 and 6,978,914 may be used with anyof the embodiments disclosed herein. Further, it is anticipated that theactuator arm 30 and the valve stem 278 may be accordingly modified tocarry out any of the disclosed engagement mechanisms.

FIGS. 27-29 show that the positioning and shape of the actuator arm 30and the actuator arm cover 124 with respect to each other and thedispenser 10 d are similar to those shown in FIGS. 20-22 in connectionwith dispenser 10 c. Further, the functional characteristics of theactuator arm 30 of the present embodiment are also similar to thosedescribed in connection with dispenser 10 c. As noted previously, theactuator arm 30 is driven downwardly along a path during a dischargeoperation to depress the valve stem 278 and emit fluid from thecontainer 60. The path preferably has a directional component that isparallel to at least one of a longitudinal axis of the container 60, alongitudinal axis of the recess 1072, or a longitudinal axis of thedispensing bore.

Turning to FIG. 30, it may be seen that the drive motor 400 and theassociated gear train 404 used to depress the valve stem 278 operate insubstantially the same way as described in connection with the dispenser10 c. However, several differences between the dispenser 10 d and thedispenser 10 c are discussed herein to further clarify the presentembodiment. One particular difference is the provision of a metal plate1076 mounted to the inner rear panel 144. The axles 418, 426, and 432cantilever from the plate 1076 instead of projecting from the inner rearpanel 144. The metal plate 1076 allows for better alignment of the axles418, 426, and 432 and the attendant gears because of the rigidity of thematerial. The ability to have greater control over alignment of thetransmission allows for closer tolerances between the elementscomprising the transmission, thereby providing the benefit of reducednoise during operation of the dispenser 10 d.

Another difference is that the holes 429, 430, 436, which are adapted toreceive distal ends of the axles 418, 426, 432, respectively, are nolonger provided in the outer rear panel 148. Instead, annularprojections (not shown) are provided on an inner surface of the outerrear panel 148 to receive distal ends of the axles 418, 426, 432.Similarly, annular projections (not shown) are provided on the innersurface of the outer rear panel 148 to receive distal ends of ribs 1080,1084, which project from the metal plate 1076 and act as limits on themovement of the lever gear 428. Further, the offset pin 450 of the levergear 428 is provided within a circular hole 1088 as opposed to thetruncated racetrack shaped groove 820 provided for in the dispenser 10c.

Yet another difference in the present embodiment is that the motor 400is a two-way motor, i.e., the motor 400 is driven in two directions toopen and close the valve assembly 274. In this case, when spraying is tobe terminated, the motor 400 is energized in a second direction toreverse the downward force on the actuator arm 30 and the valve stem278. The actuator arm 30 and the valve stem 278 then move upwardly tothe pre-actuation position in response to upward movement of theactuator arm 30 and the upward force provided by the valve assembly 274,at which time the valve assembly 274 of the container 60 is closed.However, it is anticipated that unidirectional motor activation may beutilized in the present embodiment. Further, the motor 400 of thepresent embodiment may be larger than the motor of the dispenser 10 c,which reduces noise when the motor 400 is activated.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The dispenser described herein advantageously allows for the contents ofan aerosol container to be sprayed into the atmosphere. The dispenserutilizes a compact and lightweight design to afford it a broad spectrumof potential applications throughout numerous areas of a residence,house, or a workplace.

Numerous modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art inview of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is tobe construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose ofenabling those skilled in the art to make and use what is hereindisclosed and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusiverights to all modifications which come within the scope of thisdisclosure are reserved.

We claim:
 1. An automatic discharge device, comprising: a housingretaining first and second containers therein; first and second actuatorarms attached to the housing and movable between first and secondpositions; and a drive unit including a motor for automatically movingthe first and second actuator arms into one of the first and secondpositions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, asensor, and a manual switch, wherein the movement of the first andsecond actuator arms actuates valve stems of the first and secondcontainers in one of the first and second positions, and wherein thefirst and second actuator arms are adapted to spray fluid disposed in aninterior of the first and second containers.
 2. The automatic dischargedevice of claim 1, wherein the first and second containers are aerosolcontainers.
 3. The automatic discharge device of claim 1, wherein thehousing includes surfaces defining a recess for securely holding thefirst and second containers.
 4. The automatic discharge device of claim3, wherein the drive unit includes at least one gear disposedsubstantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing.
 5. Theautomatic discharge device of claim 1, wherein the motor is a two-waydrive motor.
 6. The automatic discharge device of claim 5, wherein thefirst and second actuator arms move along a path substantially parallelto an axial length of one of the two containers upon activation of thedrive motor.
 7. An automatic discharge device, comprising: a housinghaving a recess adapted to retain a container therein; a combination ofsensors for detecting an environmental condition; an actuator armattached to the housing and movable between first and second positions;and a drive unit for automatically moving the actuator arm into one ofthe first and second positions in response to a signal from at least oneof the combination of sensors, a timer, and a manual switch, wherein themovement of the actuator arm actuates a vertically depressible valvestem of the container allowing a fluid disposed in an interior of thecontainer to be vertically dispensed and exited from the housing througha terminal outlet in an upward direction.
 8. The automatic dischargedevice of claim 7, wherein the actuator arm moves along a pathsubstantially parallel to an axial length of the container uponactivation of the drive unit.
 9. The automatic discharge device of claim7, wherein the drive unit includes at least one gear disposed betweenthe recess and a rear panel of the housing.
 10. The automatic dischargedevice of claim 7, wherein the combination of sensors are light sensors.11. The automatic discharge device of claim 7, wherein the combinationof sensors are motion sensors.
 12. The automatic discharge device ofclaim 7, wherein the drive unit includes a two-way drive motor.